Stylized initials on the wall
the smell of paint
and the hissing of the spray
as I walk upon the artist

Looking at the tag
I think this guy gets around
as I have seen his mark
on bridges, down alleys
and on multiple train cars

I can never quite make out
the curves and curly cues
the artist looks at me
with a with a mischievous grin

I ask what does it say
he says quest
instantly I can now see it
the artistry is evident

The q and u melded into one
the e and s on there sides stacked
and the cursive t
blues and greens and silvers

Outlined in red
and again in black
like old and new blood
flowing and dried

And the quest, I ask?
simply to live the art he says
and puts his earphones back in
and the bass thump takes over

Quest, graffiti on my alley dumpster
beautiful art
and a beautiful thought
till the city paints it over, dull gray